NER: Highly-Ordered Two Dimensional and Three Dimensional Inorganic Arrays Using Protein Templates

本研究的目的是确定使用生物系统的可行性，模板粒子到有序的二维和三维组件，在纳米光电器件和高温电化学系统的新应用的愿景。 该方法是将无机纳米粒子附着到蛋白质模板上形成高度有序的二维阵列，表征这些蛋白质-纳米粒子组装体的空间和光学性质，并使用逐层组装来构建三维蛋白质-纳米粒子杂化材料。智力优势：这项研究将开发一种新的策略来构建纳米结构材料。 将包含小无机纳米颗粒的组件制造成预定间距和排列的阵列的能力目前是不可行的。 通过实现晶格参数操纵和有序的逐层组装，由表现出量子尺寸效应的颗粒组成的阵列可以揭示新的性质。 反过来，这可以使光电技术和燃料电池等领域的新型设备的设计成为可能。 更广泛的影响：该计划必然是一个多学科的奋进，因此，它代表了一个很好的机会，让学生参与协作团队的努力，并接受培训，与不同背景的团队成员一起工作。 根据这一拟议项目，将积极招收各级教育（研究生、本科生和高中）的学生。 这项拟议工作的成果也将纳入研究生课程的专题。

The objective of this research is to determine the feasibility of using a biological system for templating particles into well-ordered two- and three-dimensional assemblies, with the vision toward new applications in nanoscale optoelectronic devices and high temperature electrochemical systems. The approach is to attach inorganic nanoparticles to protein templates to form highly-ordered two-dimensional arrays, characterize the spatial and optical properties of these protein-nanoparticle assemblies, and use layer-by-layer assembly to build three-dimensional protein-nanoparticle hybrid materials. Intellectual Merit:This research will develop a new strategy to construct nanostructured materials. The ability to fabricate assemblies comprising small inorganic nanoparticles into arrays of predetermined spacing and arrangement is currently not feasible. By enabling lattice parameter manipulation and ordered layer-by-layer assembly, arrays that consist of particles exhibiting the quantum size effect may reveal new properties. This, in turn, could enable the design of novel devices in areas such as optoelectronic technologies and fuel cells. Broader Impact:The program is necessarily a multidisciplinary endeavor, and it therefore represents an excellent opportunity for students to participate in a collaborative team effort and be trained to work with team members of diverse backgrounds. Under this proposed project, students at all educational levels (graduate, undergraduate, and high school) will be actively recruited. The results of this proposed work will also be integrated into topics presented in graduate-level courses.